Insurance companies often resort to surveillance tactics when pedestrians file claims after pedestrian accidents in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Their primary goal is to find information they can use against you to deny your claim or pay you less damages than you deserve in your settlement. If you suspect the insurance company is spying on you, you should retain an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer at Tavss Fletcher immediately to advise you on how to protect yourself and pursue your claim for compensation for your injuries.
How the Insurance Company May Spy on You
Insurance companies employ various surveillance tactics to gather evidence that they can use to deny your claim or try to pay you less compensation in your settlement. Here are common tactics they might employ.
Take Photos and Video
The insurance adjuster might hire a private investigator to monitor your activities, including capturing photos and videos of you engaging in daily tasks. They hope to use this visual evidence to contradict your injury claims and show that you are not as severely injured as you claim.
Search Social Media Sites
Insurance companies will scour your social media profiles for any posts or photos that can be misinterpreted to minimize your injuries or cast doubt on your version of how the negligent driver struck you when you were walking. You must be very careful when posting social media posts because even innocent ones can be twisted to be used against you.
Conduct Interviews
Insurance adjusters or a private investigator may approach your friends, family, or colleagues to gather information about your activities and daily life. These interviews are often conducted in a way that seeks to uncover inconsistencies in your account of the pedestrian accident or the extent of your injuries.
Steps to Protect Yourself If You Believe the Insurance Company Is Spying on You After a Norfolk Pedestrian Accident
To not weaken your claim and ensure you receive a fair settlement, you must take proactive steps to protect yourself from insurance company surveillance tactics. You should assume that the insurance company might spy on you at any time while your claim is being settled. Here are steps you can take to fight back.
Follow Your Doctor's Orders
Adhere strictly to your doctor's prescribed treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Consistency in seeking medical care shows that you are genuinely focused on your recovery and can undermine any attempts by the insurance company to question the severity of your injuries.
Stay Off Social Media
Do not discuss your accident or injuries on social media platforms. Avoid discussing the case, your injuries, or activities that may be misinterpreted. Set your profiles to private to minimize the chances of the insurance company's prying eyes accessing your posts.
Watch Friend Requests
Be careful about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals on your social media sites. The insurance adjuster or private investigator may create a fake profile to obtain access to your posts and monitor your activities.
Hire an Attorney
Enlisting the services of a knowledgeable Norfolk car accident lawyer is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect yourself. A skilled attorney will handle communication with the insurance company, ensuring that you do not unknowingly make a mistake that can be used against you. They will also give you tips on how to navigate potential surveillance tactics.